Board of Supervisors Minutes
January 2017

January 3, 2017:

Harvey Moyer spoke to the board regarding tax sale certificate 2013-003. He is interested in a property in Percival. There are over $28,000 in back taxes owed on the property. Alise Snyder, Deputy Treasurer, was present and advised that in the past the county has published the 90-day notice, taken title to a property, then determined the value of the property in question. The board will contact the county attorney about serving the 90-day notice to take deed to the property. Motion was made by Hickey to begin the process.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hendrickson to table the ratification of the tentative agreement reached with Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and PPME Local 2003 until the recommendations from the compensation board have been received. Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hickey to reappoint Dr. Thomas Largen and Teresa Hardy to the Board of Health for 3-year terms expiring December 31, 2019. Motion carried unanimously. 

Mike Crecelius, EMC, spoke to the board regarding a budget amendment that was approved by his commission on December 13th. This change is in response to the Department of Labor FSLA. This will raise his salary beginning January 1, 2017, from $37,247 to $42,362.  

Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a vehicle from the sheriff’s office for the sanitarian’s department. The purchase was previously approved on August 30th to be paid out of the sanitarian budget. After information from the state auditor, Hickey moved that the board pay it out of county betterment in lieu of the sanitarian budget which will avoid a budget amendment in that department. Motion carried unanimously. 

The following claim was approved for hand written warrant:  Sheriff’s Office Rural Services Basic Fund to Karl Chevrolet; New Equipment; 2017 Chevy Tahoe, $34,899.99. 

In other business, claims for January 6, 2017, were approved.  

At 10:00 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

January 10, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, and Graham present.  A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Minutes of the previous board session were read and approved.  The agenda was approved as posted. 

Let the records show that Sandy Parmenter from the Hamburg Reporter, Kristan Gray from the Valley News, Wayne Clark, Doug Larson, John Schlorholtz, Pat Sheldon & Brenna Bird, County Attorney were present for this meeting.

Discussion was held regarding the ratification of the union agreements between Fremont County and both the unions for the road department and the sheriff’s office. Action was taken on the roads union agreement on December 20th, 2016. After a lengthy discussion, motion was made by Graham tabling any action on the agreement reached between Fremont County and Teamsters Local Union No. 238 (Sheriff’s Office). Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion was made by Hickey to appoint Howard Nelson as Fremont County Weed Commissioner. This will be a seasonal, four-month per year job. This will pay $500 per month for the four-month period. Motion carried unanimously. 

Let the records show that Judy Crain, Treasurer, joined the meeting. 

Motion was made by Hickey to approve the Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Report.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Dan Davis, Engineer, met with the board requesting the signing of a work in right-of-way permit for Tyler Binder to clean a ditch along Bluff Road and run tile under 230th Street. Motion to sign the permit made by Hickey. Motion carried unanimously. 

The Compensation Board met on December 27, 2016. They made a recommendation to increase Supervisor’s wages 2% and to increase the other elected official’s wages 3.5%. Motion made by Graham to table the decision. Motion died for the lack of second. After much discussion, motion made by Hickey to reduce the recommendations by 50%. Hickey - Aye, Graham - Aye, Hendrickson – Nay. 

Hickey made a motion to approve the following Resolutions. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-6

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 10th day of January 2017, that the following individuals shall be approved as staff for the Office of the Fremont County Auditor, as requested by Fremont County Auditor Dee Owen.  The effective date of appointment shall be January 3, 2017: Kristi O’Neal–Assistant Auditor, Jolene Keck-McGinley–Assistant Auditor.

Motion made by Hickey.
 

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-7

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 10th day of January, 2017, that the following individuals shall be approved as Deputies for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, as requested by Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope.  The effective date of employment shall be January 1, 2017:

Steven D. Owen - Chief Deputy
Randy P. Jones - Deputy
Timothy Bothwell - Deputy
Andrew Wake - Deputy
Steven Mather - Deputy
Zachary Buttercase - Deputy
William Brent Twyman - Deputy

Motion was made by Hickey
 

Let the records show that Alise Snyder, Treasurer’s Office joined the meeting. 

Members of Mule Slough & West Benton Drainage Districts & Benton Washington Levee District met with the board regarding stamped warrants. They discussed the purchasing of stamped warrants by the county and other entities. The county attorney explained what she discussed with Drainage Attorney Jim Hudson. They also discussed the timeline of the annexation and setting up the pumping district. After much discussion, it was agreed upon that all of the parties involved need to meet in person with Drainage Attorney Jim Hudson to determine the next course of action. The board will discuss it and take action at the next regular board meeting. 

Let the records show that Randy Monroe was not present for this meeting. 

In other business, the County Recorder’s Monthly Report was approved. 

At 10:43 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

January 17, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, and Graham present.  A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Minutes of the previous board session were read and approved.  The agenda was approved as posted. 

Let the records show that Zac Buttercase, Steve Mather, Vanessa Lilly, Betsy Lilly, Mackenzie Kirkpatrick, Cindy Mount, Randy Monroe, and John McCurdy were present for this meeting. 

The board reconsidered the previous action taken on January 10, 2017, regarding the recommendations of the compensation board and increases in salary for the elected offices of the county. The board previously voted as follows: 1% increase for the supervisors and 1.75% increase for other elected officials. Hendrickson–Nay, Hickey–Aye, Graham–Aye. After reviewing the compensation board minutes, Supervisor Graham wanted to reconsider the vote. After a short discussion regarding the issue, Graham made the motion to approve the compensation board’s original recommendation of a 2% increase for the supervisors and 3.5% for the other elected officials. Hendrickson–Nay, Hickey–Aye, Graham–Aye.  

Motion was made by Hickey to authorize Chairman Hendrickson to sign Renewal of Class C/Outdoor Service/Sunday Sales Liquor License for PL County Line, LLC. Motion carried unanimously. 

Let the records show that Mike Crecelius, EMC, joined the meeting. 

John McCurdy met with the board regarding objectives of the hazard mitigation plan. He discussed the goals and actions for the plan. The majority of the action items have already been implemented. There were a few items removed from the plan. No additional action items were added.

John McCurdy also presented a contract between Fremont County and The University of Iowa Flood Center for the river gauges and analysis. This was a project that has been ongoing to put a gauge on the East Nishnabotna River. To date, the gauge is not in place. McCurdy stated that having the contract in place may speed up the process. Motion made by Hickey to sign the contract. Motion carried unanimously.   

As discussed in the previous board meeting, there is a need for Drainage Attorney Jim Hudson to meet with the drainage districts and levee district along with the board of supervisors Hickey made a motion for the board to pay one-half of the cost of this initial meeting to answer questions regarding the annexation, debt issues, and options for the county and affected districts. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 9:45 a.m., Graham made a motion to approve the following resolution making the temporary appointment of S. Brenna Bird permanent until the next regular election for that position. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO.  2017-8

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 17th day of January 2017, that S. Brenna Bird shall be appointed as part-time Fremont County Attorney.  This is to replace the temporary appointment on the 8th day of November, 2016. An effective date of employment shall be January 17th, 2017, for a term as provided by statute.   

Motion made by Graham.
 

At 9:47 a.m., motion was made by Hickey to approve the following Resolution 2017-9.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-9

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 17th day of January 2017, that the 2017 utilities as certified to the Auditor by the Iowa State Department of Revenue and Finance be approved, collected, and disposed of as regular taxes, according to taxing district.

Motion to approve made by Hickey.
 

At 9:48 a.m., Randy Monroe met with the board regarding the flagpole at the old jail. After much discussion, the board is still undecided as to what they will do with the old building.                                             

A public hearing was held for Assignment of Certificate of Purchase at Tax Sale Certificate. At 10:00 a.m., motion was made by Hickey to go into Public Hearing to approve an Assignment of Certificate of Purchase at Tax Sale.  Motion carried unanimously.

At 10:02 a.m., with no one present from the public, motion was made by Hickey to go out of public hearing and approve the following Resolutions regarding the Certificate of Purchase at Tax Sale.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ASSIGNMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF PURCHASE AT TAX SALE TO THE FOLLOWING:

WHEREAS, Sandra Ware, 2038 Waubonsie AVE, Thurman, Iowa, 51654, is desirous of obtaining a certificate of tax sale purchase for $431.00 for the following: Parcel Number 240240122010000, Tax Sale Certificate number 2016-300 – PT NE NW - TRACT 200'X 200' BEG INTER S LN CONKLIN ST & W LN CO HWY L31 ETC., BARTLETT, FREMONT COUNTY, IOWA, according to the recorded plat thereof.

WHEREAS, Fremont County is desirous of avoiding the expense of tax redemption procedure, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing on this proposal was held on the 17th of January, 2017 and,   

WHEREAS, the transfer of said certificate of tax purchase to Sandra Ware, 2038 Waubonsie AVE, Thurman, IA, 51654, is in the better interest of the County and is in the better interest of Sandra Ware, Thurman, Iowa, to eliminate any form of liability to Fremont County, now

THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved that the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors is authorized and directed to execute the assignment of certificates of tax purchases of this real estate upon receipt of payment.

IT IS SO RESOLVED, this 17th, day of January, 2017.
 

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-11

ASSIGNMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF TAX SALE PURCHASE

Fremont County does hereby transfer the certificate of tax sale purchase regarding the described real estate to Sandra Ware, 2038 Waubonsie AVE, Thurman, Iowa, 51654 as follows: PT NE NW - TRACT 200'X 200' BEG INTER S LN CONKLIN ST & W     

LN CO HWY L31 ETC., BARTLETT, FREMONT COUNTY, IOWA, according to the recorded plat thereof.

The county shall endorse the tax sale certificate as necessary to complete this assignment upon receipt of payment of $431.00.

Dated this 17th day of January, 2017.

ATTEST: 

/s/Dee Owen                                                             /s/ Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

Fremont County Auditor                 

STATE OF IOWA, FREMONT COUNTY SS:

On this 17th day of January, 2017, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa, personally appeared Earl Hendrickson, to me personally known, who being by me duly sworn, did say that he is a member of the Fremont County Board of Supervisors and that said instrument was signed on behalf of the Fremont County Board of Supervisors and hereby acknowledge the execution of the foregoing instrument to be the voluntary act and deed of the Fremont County Board of Supervisors, by it and by his voluntarily executed.

/s/ Kristi O’Neal
Notary Public in and for the State of Iowa 

Let the records show that Doc Holliday did not attend this meeting.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Monthly Report for December 2016 was approved. 

In other business, claims for January 20, 2017, were approved. 

At 10:19 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

January 24, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson and Graham present.  Hickey was not present for this meeting. A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. The agenda was approved as posted. Minutes of the previous board session were read and approved.

Let the records show that Kristan Gray from the Valley News was present for this meeting.   

At 9:01 a.m., Suzanne Watson, Southwest Iowa Region MHDS updated with overview of the region. She reported on the many new services being offered by the region such as service coordination, vocational grants, mental health court, jail based service coordination,  and the bridge housing program.

Let the records show, that Doc Holliday did not attend this meeting.

At 9:38 a.m., Hendrickson made a motion to reappoint Brian Kingsolver to the SWIPCO Policy Council. Motion carried unanimously.

At 9:40 a.m., Auditor Dee Owen advised the board that the auditor’s office would be changing the current schedule of accounts payable which is every two weeks to processing claims on a weekly basis. It will cut down on late fees due to different deadlines on certain bills.

At 9:42 a.m., the board discussed the bargaining agreement with Fremont County and Teamsters Local 238. Graham made the motion to table the item until the next meeting when all members are present. Motion carried unanimously.

At 9:45 a.m. County Attorney Brenna Bird met with the board regarding an approval or consent to entry of decree in favor of the petitioner, The City of Hamburg, in case number EQCV025119. Graham made the motion to entry of decree in favor of the petitioner. Motion carried unanimously.

Fremont County Engineer, Dan Davis met with the board.  Motion was made by Hendrickson to sign IDOT payment vouchers for HGM Associates, Inc. for Project #STP-S-CO36(65) - - 5E-36 (J-18) and Project #BROS-CO36(68) - - 5F-36 (Bridge at J-22/150th Street over West Nishnabotna River). Motion carried unanimously.

The board discussed updating the county farm lease description as it is outdated. They will use a legal description from FSA regarding the yields and other details.

In other business, claims for January 27, 2017, were approved.

At 9:58 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST:

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman

January 31, 2017:

The Fremont County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, in the Fremont County Courthouse Boardroom, with Hendrickson, Hickey, and Graham present.  A quorum was declared and the meeting officially called to order at 9:00 a.m. Minutes of the previous board session were read and approved.  The agenda was approved as posted. 

Let the records show that Kristan Gray from the Valley News, Dan Swanson from Big Apple Radio, Wayne Clark, John Schlorholtz, Curt Boyd, Jan Zach, and Lonnie Shanno were present for this meeting. 

At 9:03 a.m., Dee Owen, Auditor, presented the board the canvass materials for the 2017 Fremont County Drainage Elections.  Motion was made by Hickey to declare the elections official.  Motion carried unanimously. 

At 9:04 a.m., Lonnie Shanno with the conservation department met with the board requesting that Fremont County be their fiscal sponsor for Fremont County Community Foundation grant funds. Motion made by Hickey to allow Fremont County to be the fiscal sponsor. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 9:06 a.m., County Engineer, Dan Davis met with the board.  Motion was made by Hickey to sign the title sheet for Project #STP-S-CO36(75) - - 5E-36 County Road J-24 from Highway 275 to Thurman.  Motion carried unanimously.

At 9:12 a.m. Motion was made by Graham to approve the following Resolution 2017-12.  Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2017-12

CONSTRUCTION EVALUATION RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Iowa Code section 459.304(3) sets out the procedure if a board of supervisors wishes to adopt a “construction evaluation resolution” relating to the construction of a confinement feeding operation structure; and

WHEREAS, only counties that have adopted a construction evaluation resolution can submit to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) an adopted recommendation to approve or disapprove a construction permit application regarding a proposed confinement feeding operation structure; and WHEREAS, only counties that have adopted a construction evaluation resolution and submitted an adopted recommendation may contest the DNR’s decision regarding a specific application; and WHEREAS,  by adopting a construction evaluation resolution the board of supervisors agrees to evaluate every construction permit application for a proposed confinement feeding operation structure received by the board of supervisors between February 1, 2017, and January 31, 2018, and submit an adopted recommendation regarding that application to the DNR; and  WHEREAS,  the board of supervisors must conduct an evaluation of every construction permit application using the master matrix created in Iowa Code section 459.305, but the board’s recommendation to the DNR may be based on the final score on the master matrix or may be based on reasons other than the final score on the master matrix; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF FREMONT COUNTY that the Board of Supervisors hereby adopts this construction evaluation resolution pursuant to Iowa Code section 459.304(3). 
 

Let the records show that Alise Snyder, Treasurer’s Office and Kristi O’Neal, Auditor’s Office joined the meeting. 

Curt Boyd with Mule Slough Drainage District met with the board regarding stamped warrants. Boyd stated that Mule Slough and West Benton Trustees have set the levy rate for the districts at a higher rate to begin making progress on the debt of the districts this fall in case the proposed merger is not completed by the drainage tax deadline. Boyd and other drainage officials asked the board if they would consider buying stamped warrants again now that there is a clear plan to reduce the debt whether by raising the levy rate or by completing the merger of the two districts. The trustees agreed to meet with the board monthly to update them about the districts. Hickey made a motion to approve purchasing the stamped warrants for outstanding claims for Mule Slough and West Benton Drainage Districts. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 9:30 a.m., let the records show that Arnold Emberton joined the meeting.  

Troy Housh, Courthouse Maintenance, met with the board requesting an air quality test for the courthouse. Motion made by Graham to approve the air quality testing. Motion carried unanimously. 

At 9:33 a.m., Hickey made the motion to approve the two-year bargaining proposal between Fremont County and Teamsters Local Union No. 238. The agreement is for a 3.5% increase for the first year and a 1% increase for the second year. Hendrickson – Nay. Hickey – Aye. Graham – Aye.

Hickey made a motion to approve the following resolution to add Austin Richardson to Sheriff Aistrope’s appointments after he was inadvertently left off Resolution 2017-7. Motion carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-13

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Fremont County Board of Supervisors this 31st day of January, 2017, that the following individuals shall be approved as Deputies for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department, as requested by Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope.  The effective date of employment shall be January 1, 2017:

Austin Richardson–Deputy

Motion was made by Hickey.
 

In other business, claims were approved for February 3rd, 2017. 

At 9:37 a.m., there being no further business, Graham made a motion to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

ATTEST: 

Fremont County Auditor                                                                                Earl Hendrickson, Chairman
 

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